Using a Dry Powder Inhaler

Check your medicine: Step 1

Check that you have the correct medicine. If you use several
inhalers, put a label on each one so that you know which one to use at the
right time.

Remove the cap: Step 2

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Remove the cap from the inhaler, if there is one.

Load the inhaler: Step 3

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Add or load a dose of medicine as directed by your health care provider. Your inhaler may look different from the one pictured.

Breathe out completely: Step 4

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Tilt your head back a little, and breathe out slowly and
completely. Hold the inhaler away from your mouth when you breathe out. Do not
breathe out into the inhaler. This can blow some of the powder out of the
inhaler. Also, the moisture in your breath can cause the dry powder to clump
together and clog the inhaler.

Place the inhaler in your mouth: Step 5

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Place the inhaler in your mouth, and close your lips tightly
around the mouthpiece.

Inhale: Step 6

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Inhale quickly and deeply through your mouth for 2 or 3
seconds. This pulls the powder from the inhaler into your lungs. After you have
inhaled the powder, take the inhaler out of your mouth.

Hold your breath: Step 7

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Hold your breath for 10 seconds. This will let the medicine
settle in your lungs. Then slowly breathe out through pursed lips. Make sure not to breathe out into the inhaler.

Rinse your mouth: Step 8

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If you are using an inhaler with corticosteroid medicine,
gargle and rinse out your mouth with water after you use the inhaler. Do not
swallow the water.

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